Loss Of Sense Of Touch

What Causes Loss Of Sense Of Touch?

Loss of sense of touch can have various causes, ranging in severity from 'worrying' to 'serious'.  Finding the true cause means ruling out or confirming each possibility – in other words, diagnosis.

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Diagnosis is usually a complex process due to the sheer number of possible causes and related symptoms.  In order to diagnose loss of sense of touch, we could:

  • Research the topic
  • Find a doctor with the time
  • Use a diagnostic computer system.
The process is the same, whichever method is used.

Step 1: List all Possible Causes

We begin by identifying the disease conditions which have "loss of sense of touch" as a symptom.  Here are two possibilities:
  • Neuritis/Neuropathy
  • Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Step 2: Build a Symptom Checklist

We then identify all possible symptoms and risk factors of each possible cause, and check the ones that apply:
low lymphocyte count
extreme sensitivity to touch
heaviness of the legs
severe muscle weakness
inability to tell hot from cold
facial burning/tingling
loss of sensation
much reduced sense of smell
reduced sense of taste
voice change
occasionally feeling unusually cold
numb/burning/tingling extremities
... and more than 10 others

Step 3: Rule Out or Confirm each Possible Cause

A differential diagnosis of your symptoms and risk factors finds the likely cause of loss of sense of touch:
Cause Probability Status
Guillain-Barre Syndrome 91% Confirm
Neuritis/Neuropathy 72% Possible
* This is a simple example to illustrate the process

Arriving at a Correct Diagnosis

The Analyst™ is our online diagnosis tool that learns all about you through a straightforward process of multi-level questioning, providing diagnosis at the end.

If you indicate unusual skin sensations, The Analyst™ will ask further questions including this one:
If you have experienced a loss or reduction in your sense of touch, when was it?
Possible responses:
→ Don't know
→ In the past only, now resolved
→ It started more than 12 months ago
→ It started between 1 and 12 months ago
→ It started less than 1 month ago
Based on your response to this question, which may indicate past loss of sense of touch, loss of sense of touch or recent loss of sense of touch, The Analyst™ will consider possibilities such as:
Guillain-Barre Syndrome

The sensory symptoms make themselves felt as the sensory nerves are attacked.  The patient experiences loss or reduction of the sense of touch, or abnormal sensations such as burning, tingling, pins and needles, 'ants under the skin', vibrations, numbness, etc.

Neuritis/Neuropathy

Nerve damage or swelling can make it impossible for nerve impulses to get through.  This numbness may only affect a small area or may travel along the entire nerve, and it may be temporary or permanent.

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